I remember when I found out I was pregnant with Harper: I
wanted to be the most well informed mother out there. I bought the books, read
the pregnancy boards online, and picked anyone’s brain who would let me. Why am
I telling you this? Essentially, I was the quintessential “first time mom”. I
didn’t do anything unless it was by the book. And, what do you think I
consulted if I was unsure of something? You got it… THE book!
Guess what has changed from that pregnancy to this one? No,
not the book. But the location of the book is somewhat unknown to me……hmmm….I
must be able to do this without it. Which brings me to the meat of this entry:
the confessions. Did you know that women have been having babies for centuries?!
Before there were books and internet boards?! Did you know that their children
survived just fine?! Which brings me to Confession #1…
1.
“THE book” was a good resource, if needed, in my
first pregnancy. What it should not be used as is a crutch…something to
reference EACH DAY and on the hour. Now I consider it a waste of money. If you are
a pregnant woman who is surrounded by mothers, DON’T BUY IT!!! You won’t need
it.
2.
Said book gave me a list of nutrients and foods
that I needed to be eating daily and how many servings of each food. I did that
when I was pregnant with Harper. Do you know what happened? I gained 25 pounds!
I have NOT done that this time. Do you know what has happened? I have gained 6….that’s
enough for me to consider sending it out with Tuesday’s recycling.
3.
By this time in my pregnancy, I had mine and
Harper’s bags packed because “THE book” told me it was necessary this early. Now,
I haven’t even thought about delivery. Woah….I must be a BUSY person who could
care less what a group of authors tells me I need to be doing at this point in
my pregnancy.
4.
I indulge my cravings, period. I don’t make
myself wait because they may or may not be healthy. That just makes me want the
item more and eat it in excess. If I want Keebler elf fudge filled cookies at
10:00 at night, I get them. Even if it means trekking to Meijer in the dark…..or
making Mike do it.
5.
I let people do things for me. GASP!!!!!! What a
concept! When I was pregnant with Harper, I HAD to do everything myself because
I didn’t want to show weakness. Do you know what I learned? I was A. exhausted
at the end of each day, and B. people only offer because they WANT to help!
What a novel idea……
6.
If my house doesn’t get deep cleaned, or even
partially cleaned every Sunday, the world does NOT stop! Holy cow! This has
taken me some time to learn. However, the cleanliness of my house (and I assure
you, this one is still a work in progress), will NOT make a difference in the
health of my unborn child while in utero.
7.
I am six months pregnant. I move slower. GET
OVER IT! Pass me: in the grocery store, on the sidewalk, wherever you may encounter
me.
8.
Weight is redistributed when you are pregnant to
allow for your bundle of joy to grow. While it may not be attractive to waddle,
it is more comfortable. If you see me “waddling”, please don’t say anything. Pregnant
women still don’t like to be told they’re doing it, even if it’s on purpose
because it’s more comfortable.
9.
I drive my husband crazy. And…I enjoy doing it.
I know what pushes his buttons, and I push them. Now, this is probably not JUST
a pregnancy confession. However, I find that pregnant women can get away with A
WHOLE LOT MORE just by being pregnant. My advice to every pregnant woman….use
this one to your advantage every now and again!
10.
Even though, “THE book” has been conveniently misplaced,
I do have a phone app. that allows me to stay updated on how baby is growing.
That part is super neat! If you don’t have one, get one!
11.
Said phone app. gives a produce reference each
week as to the expected length of baby. I DO check those items out in the
produce aisles just to see….
12.
Final confession: Because I am not so wrapped up
in the “should’s, would’s and could’s” of pregnancy, I am thoroughly enjoying
each relatively new experience.
I guess my biggest piece of advice to pregnant (and new)
moms is this: If it makes you feel better to have a piece of reference material
in your house, go ahead and buy it. Just do me a favor, don’t do everything by “THE
book” because you are going to miss the little things and not enjoy your
pregnancy or new baby.
In the meantime, “Little Man” as we are now affectionately
referring to Baby Boy, is growing like a weed. He also makes his presence known
on a daily AND nightly basis. That is my all time favorite part of pregnancy. I
will miss it when he is finally here….
Okay, okay, one more confession (but this one snuck up on me
due to the previous paragraph):
13.
It IS okay to miss being pregnant when your bundle
of joy arrives. You spent the better part of a year being pregnant and enjoying
things from the inside. Don’t feel guilty.
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